Court to Decide if Court Records are Public Records

Two cases argued today before the Supreme Court of Washington present a significant question about public access to court records and could result in a major expansion of the state’s Public Records Act (chap. 42.56 RCW). The cases are Morgan v. Federal Way & Tacoma News, Inc., No. 81556-9 & Koenig v. Federal Way, No. 82288-3.

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SARAH PALIN'S 'TROOPERGATE' PROBLEM: THE BACKSTORY

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has denied claims that she and several of her senior staffers illegally accessed the personnel file of her ex-brother-in-law, Trooper Mike Wooten, and disseminated confidential information about the law enforcement official to his superiors.Palin, Sen. John McCain’s running mate, her private attorney Thomas Van Flein, and McCain campaign officials, said the confidential medical and employment records became part of the public record during divorce proceedings between Wooten and Palin’s sister, Molly McCann. Palin is under investigation by an independent counsel appointed by Alaska’s Legislative Council. The probe centers on whether Palin abused her power when she fired Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan in July because he allegedly refused to fire Wooten. The investigation also centers on claims that the governor’s office peeked at Wooten’s personnel records illegally. The McCain campaign said Monday Palin is "unlikely" to cooperate with the investigation.Palin's husband, Todd Palin, and 12 other people were subpoenaed Friday by a committee made up of three Republicans and two Democrats.
The court clerk at the Alaska courthouse in Anchorage explained that the contents of Wooten and McCann’s divorce records do not contain any of Wooten’s personnel, medical, or financial records, other than statements made by witnesses during the trial.
“Under Alaska state law when you reopen a custody and divorce case you have to do initial disclosure,” Erwin said. “That means we are entitled to three different releases: his employment, medical, and financial documents. [Wooten] signed the releases in open court and the releases were exercised.”

NEED TO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT SOMEBODY?

You don't have to be a full-fledged private investigator to dig up basic info on your neighbors, co-workers or just about anyone else you know in the state.

Florida's public records allow for easy access to criminal records, many court documents, and property records.

Sure, the documents can help you snoop around, but more importantly, they can also keep you well-informed about the people you and your family come in contact with.

Most of the records are free and readily available online.

www.publicrecordswire.com

Search warrants are public records

In a written opinion issued Monday, Madigan said the state Freedom of Information Act, which contains dozens of reasons why government information can be kept secret, does not apply to court records.

Rather, she said, the records are open under the Clerk of Courts Act, which says virtually all court documents are public.


http://www.sj-r.com/News/stories/22676.asp